Food

Why food?

Our diet has a big impact on our carbon footprint – Oxford’s food produces more greenhouse gas emissions than all of the city’s cars. [Ref]. Good Food Oxford and LCON have teamed up to make it easy to eat for health, taste buds and planet. If you’ve been inspired to eat less meat, please let us know here.

Sustainable eating in a nutshell

Our handy infographic summarises the best ways to eat sustainably and healthily. Stick it on your fridge as a reminder.

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1. Eat more plants and less meat

Plant-based diets have been proven to improve health and can cut food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%!

Research

Sustainable Diet Research ReviewThis report summarises key research on sustainable diets and ways to change eating behaviours.
The good news is that research has consistently shown that the best diets for the planet are the best for your body too! Win win!

The top ways to eat healthily and sustainably:
1. Eat fewer animal products and more plants
2. Waste less
3. Eat the correct amount, and source closer to home, seasonal and sustainably grown.

Some key (and often surprising!) findings about Britain’s food:

Of 13 different common diets, vegan and ‘go gently on the cheese’ vegetarian are the healthiest and most sustainable. An average UK diet and one with too many calories are the least healthy and sustainable.

£1 invested in Local Food returns £7 to society in the form of social and economic outcomes including health and well-being, training and skills.

Portion sizes have consistently risen over the last few decades, and research indicates that people struggle to identify correct portions sizes.

The average household wastes £470 of food each year, rising to £700 with children.

We have also identified a range of tools to help you achieve a healthy and sustainable diet, including an online calculator which gives a carbon and nutritional breakdown of the foods you input.

The majority of British people say that animal welfare, sustainable fish and ethical products are important, but far less actually buy products which reflect this.

The majority of British people value and also purchase British produce and healthy produce.

40% of young men agree that red meat is bad for you, 25% of people expect to be eating no meat by 2025

Regardless of income, household purchases do not match recommended government dietary guidelines

Food in North Oxford ResearchThis report summarises North Oxford’s demographics, current food landscape and relevant local research and initiatives.

There are over 20 initiatives working on healthy, sustainable food in North Oxford

North Oxford is majority white British, well-educated with above health and above-average income.